Magical childhood (December 17)

There is something about childhood. The innocence, the ability to derive joy from the most trivial of things and also the ability to be disappointed over small and petty matters. Indeed it has been said time and again that there is nothing to match the innocent laughter and gurgle of children and any adult who has had a healthy upbringing will vouch that mankind owes it to children to make the world a better place to live. 

It is not without reason we see so many old timers reminiscing about their childhood and many of us are apt to believe our days were easier and and more fun, days which were full of mirth and gaiety without the cut throat competition and the intense desire to acquire all that symbolizes the materialistic world.

Whether we had a better time than our children or not is a matter of debate but there can be no doubt that in today's world where everything is counted in material gain and where there is little time to even lie back and enjoy the sweet smell of the surrounding, it is imperative that we try our best and smile.

Manipur today is caught in a time warp and a cycle of never-ending violence and bloodshed. What was a matter of great fright and unthinkable when we were in our tender age have now become the order of the day and it would not be exaggerating things if we say that our kids today are exposed to all sort of mind numbing developments that would have sent chills down and spines of our elders. 

It is not only the violence that appears to be engulfing the lives of our children but also the intense competition. At times it certainly pricks our heart to see our young tots being packed in school van and herded to schools with bags that weight much more than their frail shoulders can carry.

However this is the order of the day and it, would be foolhardy not to prepare our children for the tough times ahead for making them face reality at an early age, even at the cost of their childhood, appear to have become the accepted norms. If fierce competition is the order of the day then it also becomes equally important for all to realize that along with hard work there should be corresponding avenue to lighten the burden of our young children. Increasingly children cutting across economic barrier and class are becoming couch potatoes. Granted there is nothing wrong in spending some time in front of the tube but what is a matter of concern is the lack of recreational option available to our young children.

With the constraint on space and overcrowding especially in cities like Imphal, society as a whole have the responsibility to provide recreation facilities for the young children. This is where the important of public Parks and children Park gain in prominence. Imphal has one children Park, Indira Park. Unfortunately this too has gone the way of all Government undertakings and as reported in this paper on Monday, the Park is facing hard time as visitors have sharply declined. 

The importance of Indira Park in providing recreation facilities to our young children cannot be overemphasized and any Government worth its salt should see what ails this Park. At least it is our duty, more so the Government to see that our children get the benefit of outdoor recreation facilities.

(Courtesy: The Sangai Express)

Back to Top